Important Technical Note for Parents

This browser version of Komodo uses a plugin technology called Adobe Flash. This year Google and Microsoft stopped embedding Flash into their Chrome and Internet Explorer browsers which means you’ll have to manage installing and updating Flash Player yourself. You can do this here.

but we've made a better way to use Komodo on your computer . .

New Komodo Windows and Mac apps (programs) are now available to download and install on your computer. These apps don't require Flash and they provide a better experience all round. Simply install and log in!

Multiplication using the grid method

Rest assured that short and long multiplication haven't disappeared - they're still quick, reliable and useful methods for multiplying. What's new is that your child will probably learn to multiply using the 'grid method' before being introduced to short and long multiplication.

Multiplication using grids

A tricky multiplication such as 13 x 8 can always be split up to make it easier:

13 x 8 = 104

and splitting it up

13 x 8 = ( 10 x 8 ) + ( 3 x 8 ) = ( 80 ) + ( 24 ) = 104

The fancy name for "splitting it up" is "the distributive law" and it's the basis for all methods for multiplication past and present.

In a grid the same multiplication looks like this:

This video shows both the grid method and traditional short multiplication:

And here's a video showing the grid method for long multiplication.

The silly thing is that mathematically the grid method and traditional multiplication methods are doing exactly the same thing - it's just the distributive law.

About Komodo - Komodo is a fun and effective way to boost primary maths skills. Designed for 5 to 11-year-olds to use in the home, Komodo uses a little and often approach to learning maths (15 minutes, three to five times per week) that fits into the busy routine. Komodo helps users develop fluency and confidence in maths - without keeping them at the screen for long.